By Ashley Ahrens | Nebraska Extension Health and Wellbeing Educator
Out here, much of our day-to-day work is hands-on, fixing fences, working in the shop, helping with equipment, or just being on the road. Most of the time, things go just fine. But when injuries do happen, they can escalate quickly.
May is recognized as Stop the Bleed Month, a good reminder to take a few minutes to think through what you would do in a bleeding emergency.
Severe bleeding is one of those situations where the first few minutes really matter. In parts of the Nebraska Panhandle, help can take a little time to arrive, depending on where you are. Knowing what to do in the moment can help keep someone stable until first responders get there.
The good news is you don’t need a medical background or special equipment to help. A few simple actions can go a long way.
Start with what you have.
Grab a towel, t-shirt, or rag—whatever is nearby—and press firmly on the wound. Direct pressure is the most important first step.
Once you start, keep going.
It’s natural to want to check and see if the bleeding has stopped, but try to keep steady pressure instead. If blood soaks through, just add more on top and keep pressing.
For deeper injuries, pack and press.
If the wound is deeper, you can use cloth or gauze to fill the area and then apply pressure over it. It might feel a little uncomfortable to do, but it helps slow the bleeding.
Tourniquets are an option when needed.
If bleeding is severe and not stopping, placing a tourniquet above the injury can help. Commercial tourniquets are ideal, but in an emergency, something like a belt can be used. The most important thing is not to be afraid to act.
Call for help and stay with the person.
Call 911 as soon as you can and continue applying pressure until help arrives. Severe bleeding can become life-threatening in just a few minutes, but these are simple, practical steps that can make a real difference.
It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being willing to step in and help when it matters.
For more information and resources on field safety, contact Ashley Ahrens at 308-432-3373 or email her at agoad2@unl.edu
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for formal first aid training. Always call 911 in an emergency.
